Three unsung heroes from Bradford who provide care to the vulnerable and elderly in their own homes have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

The care workers, who all work for Bluebird Care Bradford North, a Shipley-based company which visits people in their own homes rather than them having to go into residential care, were among the winners and runners-up at the Great Yorkshire and Humberside Care Awards, which are supported by the Department of Health.

Rupert Campbell was triumphant in the category of Home Care Worker Award.

Mr Campbell was praised by judges, who said: “Rupert is a very caring and committed person, cheerful and friendly with a natural exuberance and sunny nature.

“He treats every client with great thoughtfulness, always working to maximise his clients’ capabilities.”

Gillian Parsons was a runner-up in the category of Dementia Carer Award and Richard Asbridge was runner-up in the Home Care Registered Manager Award.

All three were nominated by John Sutcliffe, director of Bluebird Care Bradford North, who joined the trio at the awards ceremony at the National Railway Museum in York.

Mr Sutcliffe said: “There were about 500 people there and it was a tremendous night. It is a real ray of sun in what has been a bad year for the care industry in general. The profile of care has suffered and to be recognised like this shows there are good carers out there.

“Rupert has been with us for 18 months and he is the nicest person you could wish to meet. People ask for him by name. He was over the moon to win and hasn’t stopped smiling since.”

One of Rupert’s clients is 77-year-old Derek Smith, who lives with his wife Pearl in Baildon.

Mr Smith has dementia and can’t walk and Rupert has been visiting ever since he came out of hospital.

Mrs Smith said of Rupert: “He is a wonderful person. There is something special about him. He really chats to Derek and is a good listener and they get on really well.”

Last year the Telegraph & Argus started a campaign called With Respect aimed at winning more dignity for elderly people.

The awards are part of the Great British Care Awards, which celebrates excellence in social care and pays tribute to those who work in the sector throughout England. The awards bring together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers, promoting joint working.

Rupert will now be invited to attend the national finals which take place in London in April and June next year.